Functional Head of Replenishment

HE OPPORTUNITY

We have an opportunity for a Functional Head of Replenishment to lead our Replenishment department. This position is responsible for the end-to-end management of replenishment across our multi-country restaurant network, ensuring optimal product availability while balancing inventory, working capital and supply-chain efficiency.

The role leads a team of Demand Planners and is responsible for the development, implementation and continuous improvement of the replenishment function. This includes forecasting, inventory optimisation, automated ordering, supplier performance, stock allocation and the use of data and technology to improve replenishment processes.

The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that the Replenishment department remains accurate, efficient, scalable and aligned with the growth of the business, while continuously identifying opportunities to improve processes, reduce costs and increase productivity.

This is not an operations or supply chain role, but rather a role for a solutions driven, problem solving and analytical candidate.

DUTIES/ RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and manage the Replenishment department, including the Demand Planning team.
• Own the end-to-end replenishment process across 500+ stores and multiple countries.
• Develop and maintain effective forecasting and replenishment methodologies.
• Monitor and improve key replenishment KPIs including stock availability, out-of-stocks, inventory levels, DIO, forecast accuracy, IBTs and supplier OTIF.
• Manage and optimise replenishment parameters including lead times, safety stock, target stock levels and order quantities.
• Own and continuously improve the Central Ordering system used to automate replenishment across the store network.
• Use data and analytics to identify opportunities to reduce inventory, improve availability and reduce operating costs.
• Work closely with Procurement, Operations, Finance, IT, suppliers and other stakeholders to resolve supply-chain issues.
• Develop, coach and manage the Replenishment team, ensuring high performance, accountability and continuous development.
• Ensure the Replenishment function can scale effectively as the business expands into new stores and countries.

REQUIREMENTS

• BCom, Engineering, Supply Chain, Data Science, Mathematics or similar degree.
• 5+ years' experience in leading a demand planning-, supply chain- or systems improvement function
• Strong understanding of demand forecasting, inventory management and replenishment principles.
• Advanced Excel skills
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
• Experience working with large datasets and planning / ERP systems.
• Experience in FMCG, QSR, Retail or another high-volume, fast-moving environment would be advantageous.

COMPETENCIES

• Strong leadership and people-management skills.
• Strategic and systems thinking.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Commercially minded with an understanding of inventory, cost and working capital.
• Continuous improvement mindset.
• Ability to identify root causes and implement sustainable solutions.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to translate data and analysis into practical business decisions.
• Strong stakeholder-management and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of outcomes.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

WHO WE ARE

Hungry Lion started as one store in Stellenbosch in 1997, built on great food and genuine energy. Today that idea runs across 500+ stores in multiple African countries, and we're still growing — backed by smart use of AI and technology and people who think differently. Whether you're on the floor, in the kitchen, or at HQ, you shape what this brand becomes. The best of Hungry Lion is still ahead, and we're looking for people who want to help build it.

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